Modified sympathetic nerve system activity with overexpression of the voltage-dependent calcium channel beta3 subunit.

ABSTRACT: N-type voltage-dependent calcium channels (VDCCs) play determining roles in calcium entry at sympathetic nerve terminals and trigger the release of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. The accessory beta3 subunit of these channels preferentially forms N-type channels with a pore-forming CaV2.2 subunit. To examine its role in sympathetic nerve regulation, we established a beta3-overexpressing transgenic (beta3-Tg) mouse line. In these mice, we analyzed cardiovascular functions such as electrocardiography, blood pressure, echocardiography, and isovolumic contraction of the left ventricle with a Langendorff apparatus. Furthermore, we compared the cardiac function with that of beta3-null and CaV2.2 (alpha1B)-null mice. The beta3-Tg mice showed increased expression of the beta3 subunit, resulti

SUBMITTER: Murakami M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3259806 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature